der  Jugendschutz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈjuːɡntʃʊts/

📜 What does "der Jugendschutz" mean?

Der Jugendschutz refers to the entirety of legal regulations and measures aimed at protecting children and adolescents (die Jugend) from dangers, harmful influences, and exploitation. The goal is to promote and secure their physical, mental, and emotional development.

This includes regulations in various areas, such as:

• Sale and consumption of alcohol and tobacco
• Access to films, computer games, and events
• Working hours for young people
• Protection against sexual exploitation and violence
• Media literacy and protection online

It is an abstract concept describing an important societal and legal principle. The article is always masculine: der Jugendschutz.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Jugendschutz

The word "Jugendschutz" is a masculine noun. It is generally used only in the singular because it describes an abstract concept.

⚠️ A plural form ("die Jugendschutze") is grammatically possible but extremely rare and unusual, as the concept is viewed as a whole.

Example Sentences

1. Der Jugendschutz ist in Deutschland gesetzlich verankert. (Youth protection is legally anchored in Germany.)
2. Die Einhaltung des Jugendschutzes wird streng kontrolliert. (Compliance with youth protection laws is strictly monitored.)
3. Man muss dem Jugendschutz mehr Beachtung schenken. (One must pay more attention to youth protection.)
4. Eltern und Veranstalter müssen den Jugendschutz gewährleisten. (Parents and organizers must ensure youth protection.)

💡 How is "Jugendschutz" used?

"Der Jugendschutz" is a standard term in German, especially in legal, political, and social contexts.

• Legislation: People often refer to the Jugendschutzgesetz (JuSchG) – the Youth Protection Act.
• Public Discussion: Topics like age ratings (FSK, USK), curfews, or protection from harmful media content fall under Jugendschutz.
• Education and School: Parents and educators address Jugendschutz to educate and protect children and adolescents.
• Events: Organizers must adhere to the rules of Jugendschutz (e.g., no alcohol for minors).

Compared to "Kinderschutz" (child protection), which often focuses on younger children and protection from neglect or abuse, "Jugendschutz" more strongly encompasses the protection of adolescents from external harmful influences (media, addictive substances, etc.) and regulates their participation in public life.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of "der Schutz" (the protection). Schutz is masculine, therefore der Jugendschutz is also masculine. Imagine a strong protector (masculine association) shielding the youth (die Jugend).

Meaning Mnemonic: The word is composed of "Jugend" (youth) and "Schutz" (protection). So it directly means the protection of youth – simple and clear!

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

Similar but Different Terms

• Jugendhilfe: Youth welfare/assistance – encompasses broader support services for young people and families, not just protection aspects.
• Datenschutz: Data protection – protection of personal data, can also affect young people but is a different legal field.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum dürfen Skelette keine Horrorfilme für Erwachsene schauen?
(Why aren't skeletons allowed to watch horror movies for adults?)

Weil sie keinen Jugendschutz mehr haben, aber auch keine Nerven!
(Because they no longer have youth protection, but also no nerves! [Pun: 'Nerven' means nerves/courage])

✍️ Poem about Jugendschutz

Der Jugendschutz, ein starkes Schild,
(Youth protection, a strong shield,)
hält Gefahren fern, sanft und doch wild.
(Keeps dangers away, gentle yet fierce.)
Vor Tabak, Alkohol und grellem Licht,
(From tobacco, alcohol, and glaring light,)
wahrt er der Jugend Angesicht.
(It preserves the face of youth.)

Gesetze schreiben, was erlaubt,
(Laws dictate what is allowed,)
damit die Zukunft nicht wird geraubt.
(So that the future is not stolen.)
Ein Recht auf Wachsen, heil und klar,
(A right to grow, whole and clear,)
das ist der Sinn, Jahr für Jahr.
(That is the purpose, year after year.)

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Gesetz, mal streng, mal lind,
(I am a law, sometimes strict, sometimes mild,)
ich schütze dich, du liebes Kind.
(I protect you, dear child.)
Vor Film und Spiel, zu wild und laut,
(From films and games, too wild and loud,)
vor dem, was dir die Sinne raubt.
(From that which robs your senses.)
Ich sag', wann du ins Kino darfst,
(I say when you can go to the cinema,)
und wann du besser schlafen sollst.
(And when you should better sleep.)

Wer bin ich? (Who am I?)

Lösung/Solution: Der Jugendschutz

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Jugendschutz" is a compound noun, composed of:

• die Jugend: Youth – the period of life between childhood and adulthood.
• der Schutz: Protection – measures to ward off danger or harm.

The Youth Protection Act (Jugendschutzgesetz - JuSchG)

In Germany, Jugendschutz is primarily regulated by the Jugendschutzgesetz (JuSchG). This law contains specific rules, e.g., age limits for buying alcohol and tobacco, or for visiting pubs and discos.